About the Youth Governor’s Volunteer Award
The Governor’s Youth Volunteer Award is an extension of Iowa’s long‑standing Governor’s Volunteer Award program. The Governor’s Youth Volunteer Award is provided at no cost to schools or students. This award establishes a uniform statewide recognition standard for youth volunteerism and recognizes high school students who make meaningful contributions to their communities through service. Students who complete the award requirements receive:
- A digitally signed certificate from the Governor of Iowa
- Participation at the Governor’s Volunteer Award ceremony
- Spotlight on Volunteer Iowa's website
Program Eligibility & Requirements
To receive this award, students must:
- Complete 150 volunteer hours between the summer after 8th grade and the end of 12th grade.
- Write a short reflection essay (250-400 words) addressing three prompts:
- Describe the services completed,
- Reflect on lessons learned through service experiences,
- Consider future civic engagement.
- Be a graduating Iowa high school student at a participating school district.
To become a participating school district, schools must:
- Be a public/private high school or homeschool program participating in dual enrollment through Independent Private Instruction (IPI).
- Designate a school coordinator responsible for administrating the program.
- Register to participate annually by September 30th.
- Attend webinar on Authentic Youth Service.
- Certify student volunteer hours.
- Submit names of qualifying students, hours completed, contact information, and student essays to Volunteer Iowa by April 20th.
Governor’s Youth Volunteer Awards Program Guidelines (819.84 KB) .pdf
Contact the Governor’s Youth Volunteer Award program coordinator to learn more and register to participate via email at [email protected].
Governor's Youth Volunteer Award Recipient
“What stays with me most is not the hours or recognition, but the ability to be able to perceive the world in a lens shaped by these experiences.”
Naissha Anchan
Waukee CSD
2026 Governor's Youth Volunteer Award Recipient
